Poem II: Bitter-seed (Bittersweet)

Ever noticed how one harsh word can spiral into years of resentment? This poem looks at how quickly bitterness can grow — in both hearts — from even the smallest spark.

I woke one day beneath the sun,
The sky rose high, my mind yet stunned.
He came before me, fierce as wheat �"
And instead of noble verse… a bittersweet treat.

I sharpened the blade �" my tongue on fire �"
And loosed my intrusive, spiteful desire.
He burned to ashes in that exchange,
But guilt remained… a bitter strange.

To ice the wound, I jested: "Just kidding, just chill."
But too late �" the seed had claimed its will.
Roots in his heart, shoots in mine �"
A tangled curse now intertwined.

It fed on him and gave me the fruit,
With roots in his heart and in mine the shoot.
And as the sun bent low in sky,
So truth was bent �" ask not why.

For from a single phrase of rage,
A lifetime’s enemy took the stage.
A bitter seed, sown deep within �"
Its harvest: enmity and sin.

Author's Note

This piece explores how a single harsh word or act of revenge can take root and grow into something much larger — in both the one who gives it and the one who receives it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the metaphor and emotional tone — all feedback is appreciated!

Reviews

[Emunah June.]

So, I once had a conversation with a friend about the difference between a harsh word and a physical encounter. I noted that I would almost much rather be hit within a physical encounter than to have a cruel word spoken to me.

Physical wounds will recover: bleeding stops, bruises fade, medicine takes the hurt away. But a cruel word? Thats the thing that burrows within the subconscious, distorts every reflection in the mirror and gives way to self-hatred, loathing, and doubt. Thats the kind of pain that takes years to heal -- operating under the assumption it ever heals at all.

You captured that sentiment beautifully. The idea of the cruel word being a seed that is planted is exactly how it feels -- its there now. Its not going to go away. And the harvest it will yield is toxic at best, and lethal at worst. Thank you for this beautiful reminder.